A Guide to Pools: 4 Types of Pools

In-ground swimming pools and above-ground swimming pools differ in terms of cost, durability, and accessibility, among other factors. Here are things to consider when comparing an in-ground pool to an above-ground one:

• Accessibility: An in-ground pool can be designed for people with different accessibility needs—for example, an in-ground pool can be made to be wheelchair accessible. An above-ground pool, on the other hand, restricts entrants to people who are able to use a ladder safely.
• Cost: In-ground pools are more expensive to install, as there is digging to do, as well as special considerations for any existing plumbing, cables, or other wiring in the dig site. Additional costs include electrical related to running the pump for an in-ground swimming pool (above-ground pools rarely have electrical connections). If you also opt for a custom design, high-end surfaces, and features like a waterfall or saltwater system, you can bring in-ground swimming pool costs into the tens of thousands of dollars. Above-ground pools are cheaper to install (some are even DIY assembly), as they come in predetermined sizes that can even be shipped or otherwise delivered to a homeowner.
• Durability: In-ground pools are designed to last for more than 20 years, depending on their construction. If you have a concrete in-ground pool that’s showing its age (cracks or erosion), you can have it repaired and refurbished to last another 20 years. In contrast, an above-ground pool is designed to be temporary and will not last decades—since the sides of the pool are exposed, it’s more susceptible to damage, including punctures.
• Home value: People add an in-ground pool to have fun, exercise, and add value to their home. A home with an in-ground pool in a warm climate can raise the resale value up to seven percent—especially if the pool owner adds amenities like a hot tub or tanning ledges. Since it’s removable, an above-ground pool does not add any value to your home and may actually deter potential buyers.
• Maintenance: With an in-ground pool, you have to regularly service the pumps, water, and surfaces, or else you might have costly repairs in due time. If the maintenance will be difficult for you to perform yourself, you may be required to hire a professional. An above-ground pool does not require as much maintenance because it usually lacks any kind of electrical connection or peripheral equipment.

When people refer to multiple types of in-ground swimming pools, they are usually referencing the various building materials, with the most common being concrete, fiberglass, gunite, and vinyl. Here are the pros and cons for each, as well as details about how the construction processes are different:

1. 1. Concrete pools: A concrete pool is a type of in-ground pool that requires you dig a hole, create a structure with steel reinforcements such as rebar, and then pour in concrete. With a concrete pool, you can create any kind of design you want. Once the basic shape is complete, the inside is traditionally finished with tile, plaster, or aggregate materials. A concrete pool can last more than 20 years with periodic resurfacing.
2. 2. Fiberglass pools: A fiberglass pool utilizes a fiberglass pool shell placed into a hole created to accommodate the one-piece design. They are treated with a gel coat that repels algae as well. Manufacturers traditionally offer specific designs that fill a wide range of requirements, from deeper levels to the inclusion of “lagoons” and everything in between. If you want a fiberglass pool, you have to choose from the designs offered, as creating a custom mold is prohibitively expensive. Keep in mind that fiberglass swimming pools have a shorter lifespan than concrete or gunite pools, and it’s difficult to refinish a fiberglass pool, making their lifespan 10–15 years.
3. 3. Gunite pools: Gunite (also called shotcrete) is a variation of concrete, with the main difference being the application. Both gunite and concrete pools apply blends of sand, cement, and water over a steel-reinforced base; however, gunite is sprayed—rather than poured—out of a high-velocity hose, which makes the resulting substrate denser. Gunite’s particular level of viscosity makes it easier for a pool builder to create difficult shapes, as the material adheres more readily than concrete to the original contours of a design. Gunite pools are usually finished with the same materials as a concrete pool: tile, plaster, or aggregate materials. A gunite pool can be refinished periodically to improve its longevity—potentially over 20 years.
4. 4. Vinyl-lined pools: To construct a vinyl-lined pool (also called a vinyl-liner pool), the workers dig a hole and apply a substrate of sand, then set down a one-piece vinyl liner, which is secured with what’s called coping material around the perimeter of the pool. You have to worry about sharp objects in these pools because if something punctures the vinyl, you will have to redo your pool. A vinyl-lined in-ground pool has approximately a 10-year lifespan, but that can be pushed to 18 years if the liner contains UV inhibitors (which mitigate sun damage).

There are hundreds of different in-ground swimming pool designs or pool shapes you can choose from, depending on your desired building materials and the pool’s future location. Here are some of the most common pool designs:

1. 1. Diving pool: A diving pool has diving boards and should be constructed to be very deep so that a diver won’t hit the bottom.
2. 2. Freeform pool: Freeform pools do not have any particular shape or design but work with the landscaping and decking to create whatever design and size the owner wants. The pool construction materials largely depend on the size of the freeform pool, but most installers use either concrete or gunite.
3. 3. Infinity pool: The edge of an infinity pool blends into the horizon, giving viewers the impression that the pool goes on forever or is like a waterfall. You can only build infinity pools with gunite or concrete bases.
4. 4. Lap pool: A lap pool is for those who enjoy swimming for exercise. Lap pools can be of any length to accommodate the homeowner’s property, but they are usually at least 50 feet long and rectangular in shape. You can accomplish these swimming pool designs with most materials, but fiberglass pool manufacturers limit the length to something that is transportable to the pool site.
5. 5. Natural pool: A natural pool is designed to mimic nature. Natural pools can have a grotto, a sand-filled beach, water features, or artificial rocks to enhance the aesthetic. The type of pool materials you select for this application will depend on the size and complexity of the surrounding landscaping.
6. 6. Plunge pool: A plunge pool is a smaller alternative to a traditional swimming pool that can be used for lounging, wading, or exercising. They can be installed as in-ground plunge pools, or they can be used above-ground if you choose a fiberglass pool or concrete plunge pool.

A swimming pool’s installation costs depend on the materials and whether it will be an above-ground pool or an in-ground pool, with the former being less expensive than the latter. Pool installation costs become progressively more expensive in the following sequence:

• Above-ground vinyl pool: Vinyl pools are affordable for most people, and an above-ground model comes in at around $8,000, with the exact cost depending on the size and features.
• In-ground vinyl pool: The cost of an in-ground vinyl pool will vary wildly based on the size of the completed installation and any complications presented by the specific property and pool site.
• Fiberglass pool: A fiberglass in-ground pool is more expensive than an in-ground vinyl pool, but the pricing between the two is competitive depending on the size.
• Concrete pool: Concrete and gunite pools have the most flexibility and durability but can be expensive. Small concrete pools run upwards of $20,000 and can go much higher from there.
• Gunite pool: A gunite pool is the most expensive type of pool but also the most durable. Installation prices are in excess of $25,000, and pricing goes up with the size.

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